The Institute for Supply Management’s purchasing managers index for US manufacturing decelerated to a reading of 50.2 in September, down from August’s reading of 51.1. The reading indicates some continued expansion, but at a slower pace.

Readings above 50 indicate growth.

Reuters reports the reading fell more than the 50.6 pace expected by its poll of economists, and remains at its lowest reading since May 2013.

The employment portion of the index also fell to a reading of 50.5 in September from 51.2 in August, reflecting growing employment levels from August but at a slower rate. The reading remains at its lowest level since April, according to Reuters.